WL or AKL for a family of 4 w/ two small kids??

[chewysmom]

Ok, first of all, dh finally said YES to a Disney vacation!!!!! And I can't believe it but he's willing to spring for either WL or AKL. So given the choice between the two which would you pick and why? It will be me, dh, dd who will be 5 and ds who will be 1. Dd LOVES animals, that's why I'm leaning towards AKL, but I like how close WL is to MK. The only thing w/ AKL is we won't be able to afford the savannah view (which is what I *really* want!), but I think just being there will be great. None of us have ever been to Disney, so we have no idea what it's really like.
Oh, and we will have our own car if that makes a difference in which resort you would pick. And we're thinking of going the first week of Dec. Thanks!!

 

[gopack]

The animals at AKL are wonderful, but in your situation I would go with WL. You will probably be spending a lot of your time in MK and the boat from WL is great. Also, you are only a boat ride away from Fort Wilderness which has lots of fun kid activities and also CR if you are planning to do Chef Mickeys.

 

[justcruisin]

WL --- transportation to MK and FW would be a huge plus for your family. There is a petting zoo with pony rides at FW.

 

[Nolcrest]

WL - for the same reasons above. Boat transportation to MK and Fort Wilderness. There is also a walking / bicycle path to Fort Wilderness. Fort Wilderness offers additional fun things to do with the kids as stated previously. Wl is fun.

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

WL! Your kids will enjoy the animals at AKL lodge more after they are a bit older. The theming and boat ride to MK from WL will be better now. Also, consider asking for bunk beds for them. The beds are railed and add ownership for your kids.

 

[Kimberle]

WL - you will *love* that you can just push your stroller on the boat when going to MK.

Plus, you're so close to FW with lots of great things for small kiddo's.

FYI, the rooms at both resorts are pretty much the same, except for the decorations. So it should really be the "exterior" factors that play into your decision.

Have a great trip!

 

[maryliz]

We did AKL when our kids were 4 and 1 -- we had a savannah view and the kids loved it. Also loved the zero-entry pool. We just did WL this year and they were almost 8 and 5, and I have to say that I loved the location of WL much better. If I couldn't have a savannah view, I don't think I would stay at AKL again.

Since you have a car, by all means make sure you go over to AKL and walk around the resort. You can see the animals outside, and as well from viewing areas within the hotel. But for the overall trip, you'll love WL.

MaryLiz

 

[720L]

I vote for AKL. Even though you have a car, I think riding the bus would be easier. You get dropped off at the front of the park (or closer than you would get with a car). When you drive you have to take a tram from your car to the park entrance. The buses at AKL are great. Usually they aren't full, and there are no other stops except AKL. I haven't stayed at WL though. My kids (5 & 2) LOVED AKL. We have stayed savannah and standard. Savannah is better, but we had just as nice a time with the standard. The kids loved to walk around and look at the animals. The zero entry pool is wonderful and my 5yr old loved the slide at the pool. Storytime around the firepit is great also, kids wanted to go every night. The Mara (food court) was never very busy.

 

[Bugsmom73]

I vote WL. With the ages of the kids, you will enjoy the proximity of having WL close for naps and resting. Also, consider renting or bringing a stroller for your 4 year old. Disney is huge and it is alot of walking.